Many of the men had never been to #KewPalace or @KewGardens. This project was an opportunity to bring them into a space that can sometimes feel alienating. During each session we could write outside, exploring the gardens freely after each session.

Over the course of the project the men were able to gain fantastic insights into George III’s life from the HRP curators. We also took them on tours of #KewPalace , Windsor Castle (Royal Collection Trust), The Royal College of Physicians (@RCPhysicians) & #HamptonCourtPalace . We had great fun!

To begin with we each picked a small number of objects that fascinated us, and learnt more about them. We began to note down what these objects must have meant to George, whilst reflecting on why we chose them too. It was fascinating to see what resonated with each person.

We also began to think about what our own personal objects meant to us, bringing in an item that held significance. We thought about the stories that these objects could tell, in the same way that objects in the exhibition tell stories to the visitors.

One of the participants, Paul, was fascinated by George’s clocks. Paul noted that his own watch was incredibly important to him, after he lost all his possessions after experiencing mental health difficulties. “Wearing an expensive watch makes me feel like James Bond,” he shared.

Another participant, Don, shared how much their own garden had meant to them during a period of illness. Don could relate to George’s love for the grounds of @KewGardens, the sprawling greenery and peace that being amongst nature can provide.

Artist Anderson was more fascinated by George’s drawings. Anderson is a talented artist & uses “drawing as a form of self-healing and learning.” Anderson could be found sketching after our sessions. He particularly enjoyed our visit to Windsor Castle to see the many artworks.

At Windsor Castle we were treated to a private viewing of some of these objects: both those going into the exhibition and additional drawings of George’s. Thank you to the Royal Collection Trust librarians who answered our eager questions & helped the group learn more about the objects!

When the exhibition opened a small group of us met to see the works. Gerry took some time to see his own label, reflecting on his preconceived notions of who George was. Gerry learnt so much more about George’s life through this project.

I personally chose a letter from George’s doctors, written to his daughter Princess Mary. It resonated with me as it made me think of what instructions my own family & friends may have received when I have been unwell. 'Let their arms be open to receive him.'

On the top floor a number of the public loaned objects that held significance to their mental health. I loaned HRP these giant keys that belonged to my late mother. As a young person experiencing difficulties they transported me to magical worlds where my struggles didn’t exist.